The Schenectady Rotary Club is actively involved in the Keane Elementary School “Never Been Absent” (NBA) program that provides basketball themed incentives for students to not miss school. Recently, Keane shared some exciting statistics about the success of the NBA program this year:
- Q1: 62 students received NBA gear (socks)
- Q2: 36 students received NBA gear (22 hats, 14 socks)
- Q3: 39 students received NBA gear (13 socks, 16 hats, 11 shorts)
- Q4: 66 students received NBA gear (22 socks, 20 hats, 14 shorts, 10 jerseys). 10 students had perfect attendance for the ENTIRE school year!
- End of the Year Attendance Challenge: Grades 3-5 achieved perfect attendance at least one day between 6/9-6/20, resulting in Ms. Messler, our school principal, getting dunked in the dunk tank at the End of the Year Bash on 6/21/25.
- Currently, Keane ranks 2nd place in the district for having the lowest chronic absenteeism rate.
We are so excited for the accomplishments of these students!
Mr Nyemiah Greggs, Student Engagement and Attendance Specialist, shared these words about the Schenectady Rotary Club’s involvement in the NBA program:
“The Schenectady Rotary Club has been an incredible partner in our school’s attendance initiative throughout the school year, helping in our work to drive down chronic absenteeism. Their ongoing support has been instrumental in helping us motivate and celebrate our students for showing up and being ready to learn.
Thanks to the generosity of the Rotary Club, we’ve been able to offer fun and engaging rewards such as spirit weeks, school-wide attendance challenges, and exciting raffles that have built momentum and encouraged positive attendance habits. Their support has also played a key role in helping us maintain our Never Been Absent (NBA) school store, where students earn a prize for perfect attendance and/or improved attendance. We have seen improvements in our chronic absenteeism rate from last school year.
One of the most meaningful contributions has been their help in providing attire for all students who achieved perfect attendance each quarter. This thoughtful gesture not only recognizes their commitment but also instills pride and a sense of accomplishment in our students.
We are deeply grateful to the Schenectady Rotary Club for believing in our mission and helping us create a culture of attendance that celebrates consistency, effort, and school spirit.”